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Comfort Suites hotel coming to Pike St.

September 15, 2012

Construction on a new hotel in Marietta could begin as early as December. Pleased with the success of the Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites, which opened in April at the intersection of Ohio 7 and County House Lane, MPH Hotels plans to add a Comfort Suites Hotel to the adjacent property, said MPH Hotels president Michael Holtz.

"It's going to help to help have more people based out of the Marietta area," said Holtz.

The new hotel will mean more travelers staying in Marietta, rather than finding hotels in other communities during peak seasons, said Jeri Knowlton, Executive Director of the Marietta/Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"I think this is going to mean more business for Marietta," said Knowlton, who pointed out that hotel guests will likely visit local dining and shopping destinations as well.

Currently, the oil and gas boom has caused the demand for hotel rooms to skyrocket in Marietta, said Councilman Harley Noland, D-at large.

"We already are at record height revenues for city bed tax in Marietta due to gas exploration," said Noland.

Fact Box

New hotel

The Comfort Suites

Owned by MPH Hotels, who recently opened the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Marietta

Construction could begin as early as December if the weather permits.

Will feature 102 rooms, all suites.

All rooms will features oversize couches, 42 inch televisions, microwave, and refrigerators.

Will feature a fitness center, a business center, and a 24 hour swimming pool.

The new hotel, which will solely feature suites, will likely appeal employees of the oil and gas business.

"It is going to appeal more to groups, especially those coming in for longer term stays," said Holtz.

The hotel is one based on a new prototype designed by the Comfort Suites. The new prototype features several upgrades from older Comfort Suites, such as a two story lobby, a larger exercise room, and a swimming pool open 24 hours a day, according to a press release.

In addition, the guest suites will be larger and will all feature oversize couches and 42 inch televisions, said Holtz.

The hotel's overnight rates will likely be comparable to the Fairfield Inn and Suite's room rates. The 102 room hotel will provide an estimated 25 full-time jobs once operational, said Holtz.

The new hotel will be a winning situation for both Marietta businesses and out of town travelers, said Knowlton.

"They can stay here. They are not going to be seeping into other markets," said Knowlton.

If the weather is good enough, MPH Hotels plans to start construction in December.